Many people confuse ‘Social Marketing’ with ‘Social Media’ and I’ve heard many complaints about the mix up. I’ve also heard many health marketers cry evil when anyone else commandeers the term ’social marketing’.

These days, all marketing, excuse me, all GOOD marketing, IS social marketing in a sense. Don’t get me wrong, not all product marketing is for the good of the consumer, it is still about turning a profit. But, shouldn’t all marketing take into account the wants, needs, desires and attitudes, beliefs and behaviors of consumers?

I think its funny that many corporate jobs turn down us nonprofit – social – marketers because we lack profitable or corporate experiences. Shouldn’t we be the most sought after candidates? What with our deep background in analyzing client perspectives, needs and barriers to accepting new behaviors?

As corporate America struggles with how to connect with new, and keep existing, customers, they are also suffering by not adding nonprofit talent to their roster. These are the people who have extreme drive, potential and unique communication problem solving experience. Working within the confines of a constrained budget – if there is one at all – and having to tie back all expenses to outcomes, wouldn’t you think these would be the most sought after hard working people in the industry today?

If so, hit me up. I’m currently seeking to help you out.

This idea stems from the concern that traditional marketing has been notorious for being a push medium. The ‘new’ marketing is all about pull – being an active participant in the trenches with your consumer/client. Social marketing has always been about this: understanding your target market and finding a creative way to change their behavior (or solve their problem). Funny how traditional marketing is just now beginning to play the game this way. To them I say, welcome to the team.

For those non profits who think marketing is not for them think about how you do your outreach. You have a problem to solve whether its getting parents to show up for a parent night or finding out how to reach your rural populations. These are problems that social marketers can help you solve – and better yet, show you how to find out the solution so that you may do so on your own in the future.